Ronny Johansson - Steadfast (2013)

Tracklist

01. The Theme
02. Feeding the Hunger
03. Steadfast
04. Do You Remember
05. Solid Ground
06. Instrumental Conversation
07. Acoustic Me
08. Lowland
09. Evolution

A new light has been lit on the soul/funk Heaven! Well, even fans of westcoast pop should check this great release out. I am talking about bass player RONNY JOHANSSON's album "Steadfast". A bunch of great musicians are centred around Ronny's solid bass playing, bringing a perfect blend of pop, soul, funk, gospel and the occasional westcoast vibe.
The CD contains both instrumental tracks and songs with vocals. One of many positive things is that Ronny does not paint himself into any corners - the variation of songs, arrangements and performance is top notch. Let's begin with the title track, "Steadfast". This one's a song with an intensive beat. It proves Johansson's steady bass playing and also some groovy guitar licking from KENTA BRÄNNLUND (ex-F.R.E.E., IN XTENSO). EMMANUEL SANDSTRÖM (of KILIMANJARO) is otherwise actually involved as the guitar player in most of the tracks. I'd say this song is to die for if you're a fan of TOWER OF POWER and OLE BÖRUD!
The most westcoast sounding tune is without a doubt "Solid ground". Even though it's a rather soft song, the rhythm section brings many details that makes it feel like a more tempo filled song. I am totally impressed by the horns of the CD, because they area all programmed but sound almost real! Now, onto the heavier side of this album. One of the "heavier" tracks is "Instrumental conversation" which is a cool one. Based around a funk/rock idea, Ronny is duelling with Johan Feurst on sax and previously mentioned Sandström on guitar. Great players! It really sounds like these guys are having so much fun, and they sure deliver. Ok, to underline how good the variation is here: the final two tracks on the CD are so different! "Evolution" is heavier that expected on a soul filled CD like this one, with funk/rock of first class. Then the last song, "Looking back", is a thoughtful and very soft instrumental song with Ronny's bass playing talking calmly and almost like saying "Goodnight to you all and may God be with you!".
The production by Johansson and Anders Köllerfors is very good, especially for being an independent release. I have to dive deep to look for anything to criticize! The only thing I'd wish for when it's time for a follow-up to this CD is a lead singer. Ronny is quite a good singer, but adding a really strong lead vocalist would give the boost that is needed for a full-pointer. And still: I totally recommend this album to all soul/funk and westcoast fans out there.

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